Tennis star Coco Gauff, 21, is broadening her influence beyond the court with an intensified focus on philanthropy. After her second-round victory against Olga Danilovic at the Australian Open, she recently provided additional background and context about her donation.
“It’s super important to me,” she told WTA Tennis. “I think if I didn’t play tennis, I would have loved to attend an HBCU. … Both my grandmothers went to HBCUs, [my] uncle and aunt went to an HBCU, and [I grew up] going to HBCU Classic games and things like that.
“It was just important to support that cause, especially in tennis. I feel like HBCU tennis a lot of times doesn’t get the funding that they need. So for me, I would just always try to uplift marginalized communities and support where I can. … I’m happy that I was able to do this for the second year in a row.”
Gauff recounted how her grandmother had made history in Florida, instilling in her from a young age the importance of leadership, inspiration, and using her platform to contribute to a better world.
“My grandmother [was the] first integrated, first Black woman to attend a high school in Florida,” Gauff said. “Integrated that school, and [was] very active in the community in Delray, where I live. Both sides, actually — I have people on both sides that integrated schools.
“So I just feel like, low key, that’s just in me. Ever since I was younger, I just feel that my purpose in the world is just to always uplift the people around me, those who maybe don’t have a voice. I think that’s why I just do that, but it doesn’t feel like an expectation or pressure. It just feels like that’s what I’ve got to do.”
Gauff partnered with Wheaties and General Mills to announce a $50,000 donation to Delray Beach Parks & Recreation. The initiative was announced on the Wheaties’ Instagram account, with Gauff personally explaining her connection to the cause.
“Hi guys, it’s Coco, and I am first, super honored again to be on the Wheaties box, ‘Breakfast for champions’ following Billie Jean King,” the 21-year-old said at the time of the announcement.
“And I’m proud to say that General Mills and I are donating $50,000 to Delray Beach Parks & Recreation. One of the reasons why this is an important cause for me is because I grew up playing on public tennis courts right here in Delray.”
Coco Gauff’s tennis career began in Delray Beach, Florida, where she trained at Pompey Park under the guidance of her father, as reported by Marca.
The park also holds special significance for Gauff because its baseball fields are named after her grandfather, Eddie “Red” Odom, a respected local civil rights leader.
Coco Gauff, the World No. 3, has consistently demonstrated her commitment to community support.
Through various initiatives, such as designing childhood-inspired sneakers and funding educational programs during Black History Month, Gauff continues to find ways to uplift and empower the next generation.
“I want to give back and give players, young kids, the opportunity to pursue whatever sport they want,” she said in a recent interview.
After splitting with her longtime agency, Coco Gauff launched her own management firm, Coco Gauff Enterprises, and is moving in a new direction with the support of WME Sports, according to Marca.
“I’m excited to build something that allows me to take greater ownership of my career while creating opportunities beyond myself,” she shared on social media.
